Suspect Arrested During Bait Operation
The Citrus Heights Police Department recently made an arrest during a “bait” operation used to help crack down on property theft in the area, according to an official press release.
John Wayne Wilburn
John Wayne Wilburn, Jr., 39, of Citrus Heights, was reportedly arrested after he took the “bait” and attempted to steal a bicycle used in the operation. Wilburn was also reportedly found to be in possession of methamphetamine and was wanted on an active $40,000 bail arrest warrant for theft issued by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department. Wilburn is currently in custody.
According to Citrus Heights PD, on November 22, 2013, at approximately 1:35pm, officers conducted a bait operation as part of a theft and stolen property investigation. Officers reportedly left a bicycle near Greenback Lane and Sunrise Boulevard as “bait,” similar to a bait car used in auto theft investigation stings.
Within 15 minutes, a male subject — later identified as Wilburn — reportedly walked by the bicycle, and then moments later rode away on it down Sunrise Boulevard. Officers reportedly attempted to stop Wilburn and he was arrested after he tried to flee.
The Citrus Heights PD is committed to preventing theft in and around its communities, and encourages the public to record the serial numbers of bicycles and all other serialized property to aid in the recovery of items that are stolen.
Read More:
Sacramento Bee: Sacramento police online registry to return stolen bikes to owners
